Thursday, January 28, 2016

Imaginative, multi-sensory Bible learning

4 STARS

REVIEW: The Play-Along Bible: Imaging God’s Story through Motion and Play by Bob Hartman and
illustrated by Susie Poole

Being in ministry, I am always looking for new and innovative
ways to get the Gospel message into the hearts of folks. And a new children’s
Bible called The Play-Along Bible is
trying to do just that by imagining God’s story through motion and play.

In Seminary in one of my Christian Education classes, I was
reminded we all learn in different ways through multiple intelligences
including learning through linguistic intelligence (spoken and written word), logical-mathematical
intelligence (analytical), bodily-kinesthetic intelligence (using one’s body),
spatial intelligence (using space), interpersonal intelligence (working with
others), intrapersonal intelligence (knowing one’s personal capacities),
naturalistic intelligence (knowing one’s environment), and musical intelligence.
And when we combine these learning methods together with multiple senses, we
are more likely to remember what we learn. That is what The Play-Along Bible, aimed for kids ages 3-6, is trying to
accomplish through multiple intelligence and multi-sensory learning.

It takes 50 beautifully illustrated Bible stories and puts them
together with actions and social interaction. For example: “Genesis 1:1-5: In
the very beginning, everything was completely dark. You couldn’t see a thing. (Place your hands over your eyes. Shut them
tight.) Then God said, ‘Light!’ (Say,
‘Light!’) And it wasn’t dark anymore—it was bright! (Open your eyes.) God called the light ‘day’ (Shout, ‘Day!’) and the darkness ‘night,’ (Whisper, ‘Night.’) And that was the first day. (Shout, ‘Hooray!’)”

I plan on using this children's Bible in upcoming children's
messages at my church. I can't wait to see the kids learning about the Bible
and engaging in the stories all while interacting and having fun.

*Tyndale House Publishers provided
me with a complimentary copy of this book for my unbiased review.